Jana shook her head to dispel the image blocking her concentration, for she kept applying the face and body of her masculine fantasy to her captor! She reviewed his words. NASA? He must be a foreigner, for he had linked NASA with the police, FBI, and CIA. Was he taking her to another country? Did he deal in white slavery? In this day? Perhaps she was on a luxury ship. He had said, “too late to return you to…” Earth? His English was distinct, but perplexing. Did his voice carry a Welsh accent? Who was he? What new home and life?
Just to provoke him, she caustically questioned, “And what does NASA have to do with kidnapping, and why can’t I return to Earth?”
Varian easily saw through her questions. He was impressed with her intelligence, not to mention her courage. She was like a breath of fresh and intoxicating air on a stifling day. He hated to crush such spirit, but it was best to dispel her hopes for rescue right now.
His voice was cold, his words were cruel. “We are four hundred million miles from Earth. We’re presently nearing the planet Jupiter in your star system. Your world lacks the knowledge and skills to penetrate our force shield or to track us. Earthlings are a backward and inferior race, except for you of course,” he taunted. He was trying to use an air of arrogance to inspire anger in Jana which might help to lessen her fears and doubts.
“That’s impossible! You’re playing games again!” Jana said.
“Nothing is impossible,” he disputed in a mellow tone. “I’m Commander Varian Saar, and we’re traveling on my starship the Wanderlust. I come from the planet Rigel in the Maffei Galaxy where I’m taking you. There’s a model of my ship on your bookcase, if you care to examine it.”
There was something in his tone which distressed her. An undeniable ring of truth and finality? Did he think her fool enough to fall for such nonsense? Was this a psychological trick? “Surely you don’t expect me to believe I’m on—” She paused and trembled as her eyes touched the model.
“On a starship heading out of your galaxy forever?” he finished for her. “Think about all you’ve seen and felt, Jana. Is it really so impossible? Look around you. You’re a scientist. Use that smart head on your beautiful shoulders. Don’t be frightened, little Earthling; Maffeians aren’t monsters; we look no different from you. Don’t worry; I did not capture you for an alien zoo display or for any medical experiments.”
Jana presented her back to him. Her eyes darted around frantically as her mind reeled with his hateful words and mocking laughter. Yes, she had heard of UFO’S, but this…This just could not be real. Kidnapped by aliens? Spaceships? Leaving her world forever?
No, this could not be happening to her. But how could she intelligently discount the facts? Space travel was a reality: astronauts had been to the moon; shuttles and satellites orbited the Earth; scientific missions went to and past other planets; and space labs were already in use.
Jana’s logic reasoned, why couldn’t there be worlds that were more advanced than Earth was? Her heart and brain battled for the truth. Her mind said it was possible, but her heart refused to accept it just yet, could not accept it because of the obvious consequences if he spoke the full truth…
If he did, there would never be any rescue or escape, ever. She faced the monitor and said, “I don’t trust you, Commander Saar, if that’s your name. I don’t know what this deceit is all about, but you’re lying.”
Varian read the doubt and panic in her expression. “Have it your way, Jana. But the time will come when you’ll be forced to accept the truth.”
Jana boldly taunted, “The truth, or your so-called truth?”
“They are one and the same,” he said politely. “If you cooperate, we can teach you all you need to know to live happily and safely in our world.”
Jana sought to trick him. “If we’re traveling through open space and I cannot possibly escape, then why are you keeping me locked up?”
“Soon you’ll be allowed partial freedom on your deck. Until then, you’re confined to quarters,” he told her. “You don’t expect me to allow you to go running around my ship getting into mischief? Or distracting me and my crew?” he added devilishly.
“If what you say is true, why did you capture me?”
“All in good time, Jana,” was his reply. “Get some rest; you have a busy schedule tomorrow and during the coming weeks. Later, there will be a meeting to tell you and the other women what you need to know.”
Again Jana’s mind was playing that naughty trick where it fused her dream lover and this stranger into the same man. That must stop, for it might cause her to speak inappropriately in this grim situation! His last words registered. “The other women?” she questioned in surprise.
It was Kyle Dykstra who explained, “There are many female captives onboard, women from Uranus and Earth. We’ll tell you everything later. You have nothing to fear if you obey his orders.”
Uranus? She asked softly, “Did be speak the truth?”
Kyle answered, “Yes, it’s all true, Jana.”
Tears filled her eyes and rolled down her cheeks. She lay down and buried her face in her pillow and wept. Either they were cruel jokesters, escapees from a mental asylum…or aliens from another world.
Varian returned to his quarters in a state of mingled dejection and elation. His thoughts were centered on Jana. Calling her vividly to mind, he flashed a smile which revealed even, white teeth and softened creases around his sapphire eyes and sensual mouth. He speculated on how pleasant it was going to be to help train that bewitching woman from Earth. After all, he was saving her from certain pain and death on a doomed planet. She would be thankful when she discovered the truth, even if that revelation wouldn’t come for months or longer. The only fate worse than suffering and dying on her world was being sold to Ryker Triloni. Whatever it took, he would never allow his satanic half brother to get his vile hands on Jana Greyson.
Jana was his responsibility. Varian smiled again as he thought how he would definitely take a personal hand in her instructions. There were certain things he wanted to instill in her without altering her charm and personality too much, if any. He wanted to retain her spirit and courage, but teach her when to control them. He also wanted to retain that intrinsic air of gentility and innocence which were so compelling, which reminded Varian of his dead mother, Amaya Trygue Saar. Damn Shara Triloni and her son Ryker! Damn Kadim Maal Triloni for raising Ryker to be so evil and vengeful! Damn all three Trilonis for ruining his life, and for darkening his future. For a sunny-haired angel had come along who could brighten his gloomy heart, but could also increase his agony if he relented.
“Little moonbeam, you will shine as one of my greatest triumphs, my masterstroke of luck and genius, a jewel beyond comparison. Buyers will come from every sector just to peek at you. Not only will I be able to get my reports to the assemblymen and supreme councilmen about the grim fate of your world but, before we orbit Rigel on this infamous trek, Ryker will surely be enticed by your pictures and reports. I’m certain you’ll provoke him to come and challenge me again,” he said aloud.
Varian found himself speculating on her purity. Perhaps you’ve not yet met a man who can stir that fiery passion which lies dormant within you. It would be a delight to teach you the joys of love. He experienced a surge of jealousy and protectiveness toward her. He cringed at the thought of another introducing her to sex, then he tried to ignore the idea. What was it about this particular alien woman that caused him to experience this upheaval of emotions and to think such foolish and dangerous thoughts? Even if Jana had been a free woman or a Maffeian citizen, she was beyond his reach as long as Ryker lived and his satanic hatred existed.
He must choose his words and actions carefully in this scheme to entrap Ryker. It would elicit suspicion if he behaved too differently with Jana, considering she was an alien captive, soon to become a charl. He must move cautiously. He had to add all he could to Jana’s appeal—as if she needed more allure! He would make the other charls envious of her, causing them to tr
eat her in a manner which would hone her wits and courage. Since she must accompany him to the other planets and auctions to be displayed for prospective buyers, that mettlesome trait would help Jana survive the publicity for her own auction, and hopefully it would beguile Ryker. Varian realized he would have only eight weeks to train her and enjoy her company, for Jana’s auction would be the last one; it would be held on Rigel, capital planet of the Maffei Galaxy, his native world and Star Fleet base.
* * *
Far away from the starship Wanderlust, on the planetoid called Darkar, which orbited the ninth planet Caguas in the Maffei Galaxy, Canissia Garthon had arrived in her luxury cruise ship the Moonwind. Presently she was visiting the handsome scientist and chemist with tawny hair and green eyes. The flaming-haired female eyed the virile physique of Ryker Triloni as she boasted of her cunning and daring across the galaxy. Her gaze caressed his striking features, even the knife scar on his right jawline from a fight with his half brother, Varian.
As if her concentration on the scar caused it to itch, Ryker absently rubbed it. While the obnoxious female chatted, he pretended to listen and to join in on her conversation and playful mood. He observed the ravishing creature sitting near him, uninvited and unwanted. Consistent with his reaction to most females, he was repulsed by her wanton behavior, repulsed by her very existence. He inwardly mocked her conceited opinion of herself and her wits. Yet outwardly Ryker was a pinnacle of charm and poise.
Ryker despised and detested Supreme Councilman Segal! Garthon’s daughter and Varian Saar’s ex-whore, as he labeled her in his mind. But Canissia did have her value, for she often supplied him with secrets which she had stolen from her father or beguiled from one of her endless number of lovers. Until his dreams of slaying Varian Saar and assuming command of the Maffei Galaxy—and perhaps of the entire Universe—were realized, he would tolerate her. After she had served his purposes, he would slay her, or expose her criminal or wicked deeds to the “right” or “wrong” people and let one of them have that great pleasure. Canissia had made many enemies, male and female. He knew he could choose someone from that long list who would love to get vengeful hands on a captive Canissia.
Ryker laughed deceitfully at one of Canissia’s vulgar jokes about a past lover. He decided that the woman had no morals, and no loyalties to anyone but herself. Of course, the same was true of him, he admitted. As he did, this evil bitch tried to keep a sharp eye and ear on Varian Saar, but never could she succeed to the extent he did. Ryker knew that Canissia craved his half brother and wanted to marry him. But Ryker also knew that Canissia would marry any man in one of the highest positions in galactic government, which included Supreme Councilman Draco Procyon. She hungered for matchless wealth, power, and status; and she would use any means possible or necessary to obtain her wishes. Canissia wanted Varian for his power and position and even more so because Varian was one of the few men who spurned her, like his half brother! Yes, Canissia Garthon would marry Prince Ryker Triloni in the flick of an eye if he agreed!
Ryker was clever and patient. Until he was sure he didn’t need Canissia in some capacity to entrap Varian, he would let her visit Darkar and he would continue to supply her with the “magic potions” which sexually enslaved her many conquests for as long as she found them desirable. She thrived on her use of those powerful aphrodisiacs, for her sexual appetites were immense and varied. That was actually the reason for her visit today, to obtain more drugs, and perhaps to try once more to entice him into an affair with her. Never, he vowed disgustedly.
Ryker prepared two drinks as Canissia stretched her lithe body in an attempt to catch his eye and enflame a desire to bed her. He thought, Poor Cass, what a fool you are. Your little spy on Varian’s ship is actually working for me, not you. He tells you only what I want you to hear about my brother. You should know by now not to blackmail a desperate man. You should also know that your spy fears me far more than your threats of scandal, and death for him and his family. He’ll never forgive you for using your love affair to steal Star Fleet secrets from him. Oh, yes, my greedy bitch, he’ll enjoy your death and his freedom from your grip. I can offer him even more: the promise of fame and riches and command of the Star Fleet when I become ruler of this galaxy.
A worker arrived to speak with Ryker, interrupting Canissia’s talk. She watched the powerful and compelling prince before her, heir to the Androas throne and fortune upon Kadim Maal Triloni’s death. And if anything happened to Varian, heir to the Saar estate as well. Like Varian, this man stirred to life wild desires within her. She knew Ryker did not like her, but she vainly believed she would eventually change his feelings. Few men could resist her beauty, erotic talents, or status; or defy her power to destroy them in one way or another. She had made friends and allies of people who could “get things done secretly and lethally”; she could obtain items or secrets to sell or to trade to acquire her wishes; she could use blackmail or Ryker’s drugs to handle difficult people. Yet, as with Commander Varian Saar and most high- ranking men in the government, Ryker was immune to mind-controlling drugs, thanks to a chemical process created by Ryker himself.
Canissia was angered and challenged by the rejections of both brothers. Somehow she would find a way to conquer and marry one of them, hopefully Varian because of his more favorable reputation. As soon as the Wanderlust returned to Maffei, and her contact covertly reported to her on Varian’s mission and actions, she would generously reward her helpful spy by allowing him to enjoy her for a week in any way he desired. That should appease his anger at her vexing blackmail!
Canissia had decided not to reveal Varian’s mission to Ryker, not just yet. She felt no loyalty to her father, his position, or to the Alliance Force. She felt as if she had already paid Ryker for a year’s supply of aphrodisiacs with the information about Prince Taemin’s plan to join forces with Ryker whereby the Androas Empire and Pyropean Federation could conquer and then divide the Maffei Galaxy! Prince Taemin, son of Supreme Ruler Jurad of the Pyropean Federation, wanted more than revenge on the Saars and Trygues for humiliating his father long ago; the alien prince wanted great power and wealth; he wanted a part if not all of the Maffei Galaxy under his leadership. When Canissia had secretly met with Prince Taemin, he had discussed his dreams of conquest with the hope she would deliver news of them to Ryker. Canissia had agreed to cooperate with the prince for the promise of becoming the new Maffeian kadim’s wife, no matter who the two conquering princes appointed. What an alliance, she thought, the three of them: Ryker, herself, and the evil prince who was magnificent in and out of bed and without any use of her drugs! Perhaps she would grow weary of being scorned and denied by both Saar heirs; she just might reject Ryker and Varian to marry Taemin! Obtaining the ruler of one galaxy was as good as another, especially when his dark and greedy appetites matched hers. Perhaps she and Taemin could form their own secret alliance and conquer Maffei for themselves! After all, she would be insane to trust Ryker Triloni!
For now, she wouldn’t talk about the Alliance trek to that inferior Milky Way Galaxy. There was plenty of time to decide how to use that secret which her father had let slip to her one night. Revealing it to Ryker would be more valuable and useful in a few weeks…
“Is that vain whore well supplied again?” Ryker’s assistant and mistress probed when he returned to his research complex, an impregnable structure which could be entered with a code known only by the handsome chemist. The female’s green eyes watched his approach.
Galen Saar’s bastard son never allowed anyone other than his mistress to work inside this private laboratory, Nor did he ever allow his adoring mistress to leave this complex. The formulas and genius of Ryker Triloni belonged here where no one could study or steal them. It was an enormous and unconquerable structure which contained five laboratories, many storage rooms, several botanical gardens, holding areas for rare or special animals and birds and insects, a communications room, recreational facilities, and living quarters for the golden-haired beau
ty who catered to Ryker’s every whim. This was the place where Ryker did his creative—often evil—work, the place which held all of his awesome secrets and powers.
The numerous other structures on Darkar were used for growing exotic plants and animals which didn’t need to be kept secret, for producing and storing chemicals and drugs, for making weapons, for packaging his products, for selling and showing his products and for meeting with clients, and for living and entertaining facilities for his employees. There were immense buildings which housed shuttlecrafts for delivery of items to orbiting ships, and there was a central control complex for communications and defense. Not far from this private structure was Ryker’s palatial home, where he spent little time. There, as well as here in the private laboratory complex, robots performed household or menial tasks.
Ryker entered the main laboratory where he knew the inquisitive and jealous woman would be awaiting his return. “As usual, Precious, Cass left with plenty of drugs and hot lust in her eye,” he remarked, then laughed wickedly. “What a stupid fool she is to try to dupe me. She didn’t even hint at Varian’s trek or his trusted lieutenant’s betrayal. I can’t wait until the day arrives when she learns her little spy aboard his ship actually works for me and tells her nothing I don’t hear first. She should be glad my brother hasn’t married her—and won’t marry her! I’d kill her just like I’ll slay any woman he marries. When I rid myself of that arrogant rogue of a brother, I’ll be the only Saar alive, or Varian will pray I was. Of course, brother dear hasn’t truly been denied a wife, and children because of my threat; brother dear hasn’t found a female worthy of him,” Ryker said, sneering.
The beautiful woman poured her lover a drink and handed it to him. Ryker sat on a laboratory stool as he continued his threats concerning Varian. “I plan to take everything he has, Precious. It should all be mine.”
Moondust And Madness Page 7